In this episode, Tom McCullough, Chairman & CEO of Northwood Family Office, shares his extensive expertise on sustaining family enterprises across generations. Tom delves into the critical aspects of strategic planning and adaptability, introducing the Ikigai framework as a powerful tool for aligning family values and aspirations. He emphasizes the importance of balancing valuable traditions with evolving needs, particularly when approaching succession planning with a forward-looking mindset.

Throughout the conversation, Tom explores key topics such as long-term sustainability of family enterprises, the intersection of personal passions and societal needs in the Ikigai concept, and the role of professional guidance in navigating family dynamics. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in family-owned businesses, highlighting the immense value of open dialogue and experienced counsel in safeguarding legacies for future generations.

About Tom McCullough

In this episode, Tom McCullough, Chairman & CEO of Northwood Family Office, shares his extensive expertise on sustaining family enterprises across generations. Tom delves into the critical aspects of strategic planning and adaptability, introducing the Ikigai framework as a powerful tool for aligning family values and aspirations. He emphasizes the importance of balancing valuable traditions with evolving needs, particularly when approaching succession planning with a forward-looking mindset.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Wealth of Wisdom: The Top 50 Questions Wealthy Families Ask
• Wealth of Wisdom: Top Practices for Wealthy Families and Their Advisors
• Family Wealth Management: Seven Imperatives For Successful Investing (2nd Edition) (Raffles Family Wealth and Legacy, 3)
• Family Wealth Management: Seven Imperatives for Successful Investing in the New World Order
• The Trusted Advisor
• The Rise of the Integrated Advisor
• Ultra High Net worth Institute
• Wealth of Wisdom Podcast

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Tom McCullough | Northwood Family Office

• Website: www.northwoodfamilyoffice.com
• LinkedIn: Tom McCullough
• Email: tm@northwoodfamilyoffice.com

In this episode, Melanie Harty, Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, shares her expertise in guiding agricultural families through generational transitions and legacy planning. With her background as a CPA and certified Family Enterprise Advisor, as well as her firsthand experience working on her family farm, Melanie brings a unique and practical perspective to her clients. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, aligned visions between generations, and thoughtful decision-making in ensuring family businesses' long-term success and harmony.

Throughout the conversation, Melanie highlights the significance of adaptability, realistic expectations, and inclusive discussions in preserving a legacy for future generations. She stresses the value of open communication and flexibility when navigating the complexities of family businesses, ensuring that all family members feel included in the decision-making process. Melanie also touches on the need for families to approach these conversations with curiosity and realism, seeking mutually beneficial outcomes that honour past generations while empowering future ones.

About Melanie Harty

Melanie Harty, a CPA, certified Family Enterprise Advisor, and Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, specializes in helping business owners build their family legacy and successfully transition their businesses to the next generation. With her expertise in specialty tax work, farm succession, corporate reorganizations, and amalgamations, Melanie guides clients through the intricacies of estate and succession planning, accounting, auditing, and financial management. Her diverse client base spans various industries, including agriculture, construction, oil and gas, retail, and family businesses.

Before joining Grant Thornton, Melanie was a managing partner at BVA LLP and gained valuable firsthand experience working on her family farm. This unique background allows her to provide clients with a practical, real-world perspective on their businesses, ensuring that her advice is tailored to their needs and goals. Melanie's comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by family enterprises positions her as a trusted advisor in helping clients navigate the complexities of building and preserving a lasting legacy.

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Melanie Harty CPA, CA, FEA Partner | Grant Thornton LLP (Canada):

• Website: GrantThornton.ca
• Facebook: Grant Thornton LLP Canada
• LinkedIn: Grant Thornton Canada
• Email: melanie.harty@ca.gt.com
• Phone: (403) 525-0216

In this episode, Gavin Brauer, a Professional EOS Implementer, shares his insights on the vital role of confidence in an entrepreneur's journey and the challenges of staying true to oneself and one's vision in the face of obstacles. With diverse experience in industries such as health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, Gavin has successfully guided his clients to achieve their full potential. He is also the co-founder of Pearl Interactives, which develops innovative video games that enable kids with disabilities to access wellness through play and owns and operates KindHuman Bicycles, crafting high-performance bikes, running a bike shop, and distributing custom cycling apparel.

Gavin discusses the importance of defining success on one's own terms and the significance of having the right people in the right roles within an organization. He highlights the concept of GWC (Gets it, wants it, Capacity to do it), emphasizing the importance of ensuring that team members are not only capable of performing their roles but also have a genuine passion for their work. Gavin also delves into the importance of patience and perseverance in pursuing one's dreams while setting clear goals and priorities to guide progress.

About Gavin Brauer

Gavin is a versatile entrepreneur and Professional EOS Implementer who helps organizations across various industries, including health tech, manufacturing, consumer brands, professional services, and non-profits, to dream big and execute using a proven system for running a successful business. He has owned and operated three unique ventures: KindHuman Bicycles, which crafts high-performance bikes, runs a bike shop, and distributes custom cycling apparel; Pearl Interactives, a health-tech start-up co-founded with a children's hospital to develop video games that enable kids with disabilities to access wellness through play; and a turnaround business that ultimately did not succeed. Alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits and EOS implementation, Gavin collaborates with his father in managing their family office.

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Gavin Brauer | EOS® Implementer | KindHuman Bicycles:

• Website(s): eosworldwide.com/gavin-brauer/ | kindhuman.cc
• Instagram: @kindhuman_canuck
• LinkedIn: Gavin Brauer
• Email: gavin.brauer@eosworldwide.com

In this episode, Darrin Hotte, a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation, shares insights from his 35 years of experience in conflict resolution, family business dynamics, and complex relationships. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and clarity in navigating difficult conversations and decision-making processes within families. He highlights the therapeutic value of mediation, which enables participants to discover their true interests and desires while fostering understanding and collaboration.

Darrin discusses the role of generational patterns in family conflicts and the significance of preparing for important conversations with a focus on personal growth and effective communication. He also touches on the catalysts that motivate families to seek mediation, such as financial or legal pressures, and the stress that arises from a lack of clarity about the future. Darrin concludes by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to help families find order amidst chaos and move forward with their businesses and relationships.

About Darrin Hotte

Darrin Hotte is a certified Family Mediator and Family Enterprise Advisor at New Solution Mediation with over 35 years of experience and specialized training in the areas of conflict, family business, leadership, de-escalation, complex family systems, and relationships. He has used this background to mediate, coach, or facilitate over 900 disputes in private practice since 2010. He teaches at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business, the Justice Institute of BC, and coaches and trains lawyers at Continuing Legal Education BC. Partnering as an Associate with David Bentall and Next Step Advisors, Darrin supports families in making the crucial transitions that accelerate growth and prosperity.

Darrin also specializes in de-escalating hostile interactions and trains organizations to become safer and more skilled in this area. He has become increasingly known for his work defusing emotional intensity in family meetings. In his spare time, Darrin is a paid-on-call firefighter and brings this experience of managing high emotion and trauma to his work with people in conflict. He enjoys running/weight training, cycling, and photography and is also an occasional jazz drummer. However, his greatest joy is found in his wife and two children.

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Darrin Hotte | New Solution Mediation:

• Website: www.newsolutionmediation.com
• LinkedIn: profile
• Phone: (778) 288-6181
• Email: darrin@newsolutionmediation.com

In our latest Legacy Builders episode, Anne Evamy, Owner and Advisor at Junction Point Inc., shares her journey and insights as a Certified Value Builder and Family Enterprise Advisor. Drawing from her experience as a successful entrepreneur, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics and succession planning. She highlights the value of understanding one's strengths and having the right advisors to guide families through the complexities of continuity and value creation.

Throughout the conversation, Anne emphasizes the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and open communication when navigating family business dynamics. She stresses the value of understanding one's strengths and being aware of the dynamic environment in which entrepreneurs operate. By embracing intentionality and foresight, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of succession planning and create a path that aligns with their goals and the well-being of their families. Anne also highlights the significance of having the right advisors to support families on their journey and encourages those seeking guidance to reach out to her directly for a chat or to discuss their specific situation.

About Anne Evamy:

Anne Evamy is a seasoned entrepreneur and trusted advisor in the realm of family businesses and succession planning. With a remarkable 16-year tenure as the owner of a successful marketing company, which she sold eight years ago, Anne has firsthand experience in the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Since then, she has been honing her skills as a Family Enterprise Advisor and specialist in Exit/Transition Planning, Preparation, Strategy & Value Acceleration for small to medium-sized businesses with revenues ranging from $1 million to $10 million.

Driven by a deep interest in legacy, continuity, and succession, Anne is passionate about supporting multi-generational families and their businesses. She collaborates with other trusted advisors to guide families in understanding how to build and grow valuable companies that can be transitioned when the time is right. Anne's approach encompasses not only financial success but also the creation of human and intellectual capital, drawing from her lived experience, education, and training to provide holistic support to the families she serves.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Family Enterprise Canada

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Anne Evamy, CVB, FEA | Junction Point Inc.:

• Website: www.junctionpointinc.com
• LinkedIn: Anne Evamy
• Email: anne@junctionpointinc.com
• Phone: (403) 615-0324

In this engaging episode, Jas Butalia shares his journey from a traditional CA to a family business advisor, highlighting the importance of mentorship, learning from mistakes, and adapting to meet clients' evolving needs. Jas discusses how his mentors encouraged him to explore tax planning, even if it meant making errors, as they provided a safety net for growth.

A pivotal moment in 2009 led Jas to realize that family businesses required more than technical expertise; they needed guidance on family dynamics and continuity planning. He emphasizes the significance of asking probing questions to understand clients' true goals and visions, challenging their assumptions, and educating them on the broader definition of value beyond financial metrics. Jas also touches on the evolving roles of patriarchs and matriarchs in family enterprises and the importance of coaching rather than advising to empower families in their decision-making processes.

About Jas Butalia:

Jas Butalia, a Partner at WBM Partners LLP, is a seasoned Chartered Accountant and tax practitioner with over 50 years of experience. His impressive career includes serving as a Tax Partner in western Canada with one of the largest national and international accounting firms, where he honed his expertise in navigating complex tax landscapes. Jas' versatility is further demonstrated by his experience as a CFO for a private family farm corporation with over 54,000 acres in cultivation, showcasing his ability to apply his knowledge to diverse industries.

As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Family Enterprise Advisor, and Professional Coach, Jas brings a multifaceted approach to his clients' needs. His extensive background, both within Canada and internationally, allows him to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by a wide-ranging clientele. With his wealth of knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional results, Jas is an invaluable resource for individuals and businesses seeking expert guidance in accounting, tax planning, and family enterprise advisory.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Purposeful Institute Canada - purposefulplanninginstitute.com
• Family Enterprise Canada - familyenterprise.ca

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Jas Butalia | WBM Partners LLP:

• Website: wbmplip.com
• Email: jbutalia@womplip.com
• Phone: (403) 930 7320

In this episode, Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, shares her expertise in navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. We explore the importance of proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business.

Hear Sharon's perspective on the need for shareholders to have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and expectations in an open forum to reduce conflicts and minimize costly legal intervention. She discusses the challenges of transitioning ownership, the fight between personal financial needs and business investments, and the consequences of making tax-driven decisions without considering long-term implications.

Throughout our discussion, Sharon offers valuable insights on the importance of understanding value drivers, organizing your business for optimal profitability, and seeking expert advice for a comprehensive understanding of your business's worth. She emphasizes the need for a cohesive plan between personal finances and business growth, as well as the significance of managing expectations and creating a fair and equitable transition process for all parties involved.

About Sharon Gray

Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, is the founder and partner at RDT Valuations Group Inc., bringing extensive experience as a CA and business valuation consultant to her clients. Throughout her career, Sharon has worked with a diverse range of corporate and private business clients across various industries, assisting them with business valuations, transition transactions, and the sale of their businesses. She has also been retained in dispute situations, providing expert testimony in court for cases involving shareholder disputes or matrimonial matters. Her experience has exposed her to the complex ecosystem and dynamics that exist between family and business.

Through her work, Sharon has identified a need for proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business. She believes that by providing shareholders with a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and expectations in an open forum, conflicts can be reduced, and the need for costly legal intervention can be minimized. Driven by a desire to apply her expertise proactively and positively, Sharon has transitioned her practice to focus on navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. The knowledge gained through the FEA educational program has equipped her with the tools and frameworks necessary to be an effective process expert, helping to strengthen families, and institutions, and prepare them for the future.

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office
• Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

Contact Sharon Gray | Founder and Partner at RDT Valuations Group Inc

• LinkedIn: Sharon Gray
• Email: sdgray@rdtmgmt.com